If you love crispy, flavorful chicken but want a healthier alternative to deep-frying, you’re going to adore this Baked Cornflake Chicken! Coated in a crunchy, golden cornflake crust, these oven-baked tenders offer the perfect blend of crispy texture and juicy chicken goodness—all without the excess oil.
Why You'll Love This Comfort Meal
- Crispy and Crunchy. Thanks to the cornflake coating, you'll get that satisfying crunch in every bite.
- Healthy Alternative. No deep frying—just oven-baked perfection.
- Kid-Friendly. A family favorite that's perfect for lunchboxes or dinner.
- Easy to Make. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a foolproof recipe for any day of the week.
Whether you're preparing a quick weeknight dinner or looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this crispy baked cornflake chicken will be a hit!
What Does Cornflake Chicken Taste Like?
Baked cornflake chicken is crispy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying without the need for deep frying.
The cornflake coating locks in moisture, keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside while providing a perfectly golden and crunchy exterior.
Plus, the seasoning blend adds a burst of flavor with every bite!
Ingredients You'll Need
- Chicken Tenders- Boneless, skinless chicken tenders are the star of the dish, offering a lean protein base that’s easy to work with and perfect for achieving a juicy, tender bite.
- Cornflakes- Crushed cornflakes serve as the crispy coating, providing a crunchy texture that mimics deep-fried chicken without the excess oil.
- Flour- All-purpose flour creates a dry surface that helps the egg wash stick to the chicken, ensuring the coating adheres properly for an even, crispy crust.
- Eggs- Beaten eggs act as a binding agent, helping the cornflake coating cling to the chicken while contributing to a rich, golden finish when baked.
- Milk- Milk is used to thin out the egg wash, ensuring it coats the chicken evenly for a smooth application of the crispy cornflake coating.
- Paprika- This spice adds a warm, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor to the coating, enhancing the overall taste of the chicken.
- Garlic Powder- Infuses a savory depth of flavor into the chicken, complementing the crispy coating with a subtle garlic aroma.
- Salt & Pepper- Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in the dish, balancing the richness of the chicken and coating.
- Olive Oil Spray- Lightly spraying the chicken before baking helps achieve a golden, crispy crust without the need for deep frying, giving a healthier alternative with the perfect crunch.
- Fresh Parsley- Adds a touch of color and freshness, giving the finished dish a bright, appealing presentation.
- Lemon Wedges- A squeeze of lemon juice adds a burst of acidity that enhances the flavors and balances the richness of the chicken.
How To Make Cornflake Chicken
- Prepare the Coating. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Crush the cornflakes in a ziplock bag until they reach a fine consistency. In a bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge the Chicken. Set up a dredging station with three bowls:
- Flour.
- A mixture of beaten eggs and milk.
- The seasoned cornflake mixture.
- Dip each chicken tender first in the flour, then in the egg wash, and finally in the cornflake mixture, ensuring an even coat.
- Bake to Crispy Perfection. Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray with olive oil to enhance crispiness. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve and Enjoy. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard or ranch dressing.
Tips And Tricks
Achieving the perfect crunchy, flavorful cornflake chicken requires a few key techniques to ensure it turns out golden and delicious every time:
- Crush the Cornflakes Properly. Use a food processor or crush them by hand to ensure a fine, even coating.
- Don't Skip the Egg Wash. It helps the coating stick and creates a crispier crust.
- Use a Wire Rack. Placing the chicken on a rack while baking ensures even airflow and crispiness.
- Preheat the Oven. A hot oven ensures crispy results without overcooking the chicken inside.
- Avoid Overcrowding. Space out the chicken tenders to allow air circulation for an even bake.
Variations
Whether you're looking for a spicy kick, a cheesy twist, or a healthier alternative, these variations will take your crispy chicken to the next level:
- Spicy- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg wash for a spicy kick.
- Parmesan- Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the cornflake coating for a cheesy flavor boost.
- BBQ- Substitute paprika with BBQ seasoning for a smoky, sweet twist.
- Gluten-Free Option- Use gluten-free cornflakes and flour for a gluten-free version.
What To Eat With Cornflake Chicken
Cornflake chicken is a crispy, flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of sides to create a satisfying meal. Whether you're looking for something light and fresh or hearty and comforting, here are some delicious options to serve alongside it:
- Roasted Vegetables- A mix of roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and bell peppers add color and nutrients to your plate.
- Coleslaw- The creamy, tangy crunch of coleslaw pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken.
- Mashed Potatoes- Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic or butter complement the crispy texture of the chicken.
- Honey Mustard- The perfect blend of sweet and tangy to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
How Long Does It Last?
Baked cornflake chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, bake the leftover chicken in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain crispiness.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes, baked cornflake chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Freeze the cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
When ready to eat the chicken, bake from frozen at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy.
More Simple Chicken Dishes
- Instant Pot Butter Chicken
- Chicken Vindaloo
- Sheet Pan Chicken And Potatoes
- Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
- Chicken Quesadillas
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Ingredients
- 1 pound Chicken Tenders
- 2 cups Cornflakes, crushed
- 1/2 cup All Purpose Flour
- 2 Eggs
- 2 tbsp Milk
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- Olive Oil Spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Coating. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Crush the cornflakes in a ziplock bag until they reach a fine consistency. In a bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge the Chicken. Set up a dredging station with three bowls: 1. Flour. 2. A mixture of beaten eggs and milk.The seasoned cornflake mixture. 3. Dip each chicken tender first in the flour, then in the egg wash, and finally in the cornflake mixture, ensuring an even coat.
- Bake to Crispy Perfection. Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray with olive oil to enhance crispiness. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve and Enjoy. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard or ranch dressing.
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